HELENA, Alabama - After 48 years serving the Helena
municipal government as an elected leader - four years as a council member and
the subsequent 44 years as mayor - Charles "Sonny" Penhale seemed at a loss for
words when he started his farewell speech tonight.

"Well, I don't
know where to start. I didn't mean to get on the agenda," Penhale said at the
conclusion of his final meeting as mayor under his four decades in office,
eliciting some laughs from the audience.

View full sizeOutgoing Helena Mayor Charles "Sonny" Penhale and his son Helena Police Capt. Ivy Penhale flank Mayor-elect Mark Hall at the last City Council meeting under the 44-year leadership of the municipality's top elected official on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. (Martin J. Reed)

Penhale is stepping down from the office he has held
since 1968 after voters elected former police chief Mark Hall in the special
runoff on Oct. 9. Hall won the race with roughly 63 percent of the vote
compared to Penhale at about 37 percent.

With close to 100 people packed in the council chambers for
the historic meeting that marked the end of one of Alabama's longest serving
mayors, Penhale quickly found his speaking stride.

"It's been an honor to serve 44 years as mayor" and four years
on the council, he said. "It's been great to serve this city, to see it grow to
where it's at now."

The city has grown under Penhale's leadership, from about
1,100 people in the 1970 Census to roughly 17,000 today with most of the
expansion happening in the last two decades. The city earned Money Magazine's 2007
title of being the top place to live in Alabama.

"That was done by the people of Helena, not by me," he
said of the accolades received by the city.

During his farewell speech that lasted a few minutes, Penhale
dished out compliments to the municipality's employees. "I do want to thank the
employees we've got here," he said, pointing out their dedication to the job.

"They show that by the turnover we have. ... We very seldom
have turnover," he said.

View full sizeClose to 100 people pack the Helena City Council chambers for outgoing-Mayor Charles "Sonny" Penhale's last meeting under his 44-year leadership of the city on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. (Martin J. Reed)

One employee in attendance was the mayor's son Ivy
Penhale, who is a captain with the city's police department. Since he was 6
years old, the son has known his dad to be an elected city leader.

"I don't know it's really set it yet, honestly," the
54-year-old said about his dad leaving office.

"I've been with the city as a full-time employee since '93,"
he added. "It's been quite an experience and I hope to pass it on to my kids."

Serving the citizens runs in the Penhale family. The
police captain's oldest brother, Garry Penhale, served as the city's fire chief
before retiring. Their other brother,
Donald Penhale, is retired from the military.

Sonny Penhale's grandfather Charlie Hinds took office as
mayor of Helena in 1917, according to the city's website.

For anyone who thinks Penhale is going to fall out of
sight, think again.

He complimented the mayor-elect with optimism about his anticipated
job performance. "I know Mark Hall is going to do a great job," he said.

Helena City Council member Barbara Hyche gives a hug to outgoing Mayor Charles "Sonny" Penhale after he delivered a farewell speech to mark the end of his 44 years in office at the City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. (Martin J. Reed)

In an interview after the meeting, Hall said he is
looking forward to taking over as mayor. He expects a "smooth and easy
transition."

"We've got a great council lined up. We've had time to
speak to them. It's going to be a great cooperation," Hall said, adding that he
has received "good input and information from everyone involved."

With a final "thank you" to the crowd, Penhale received a
standing ovation followed by numerous hugs and handshakes from attendees.

Penhale concluded his address by telling the audience it
was "God's will" that led to his departure from office. "Also, the will of the
people that voted me out," he quickly injected.